Scotch has the Commonwealth touch

New export figures have revealed that almost a fifth of Scotch whisky exports go to Commonwealth countries.

Last year, exports to the Commonwealth were up 1% on 2012 to £793 million, from a global total of £4.3 billion, according to the data released by the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA).

This means that around 19% of all Scotch exports go to Commonwealth nations.

Singapore is the by far the largest market in the Commonwealth for Scotch whisky, with exports of £330 million last year.

This is followed by South Africa with exports of £163m, Australia at £84m and India with £69m.

The SWA is pointing to the rapid growth in developing nations and the more international tastes that are emerging in line with more economic prosperity.

Exports to Nigeria – one of the fastest growing markets in the world – rose 43% to almost £14 million last year, making it the seventh biggest market in the Commonwealth.

David Frost, Scotch Whisky Association chief executive, said: “In many Commonwealth countries, Scotch whisky has been popular for years.

“As economies in other countries develop, young, professional consumers are developing a taste for Scotch whisky which they rightly regard as an aspirational drink of quality.”

The figures have been released ahead of the Commonwealth Games, which start in Glasgow this week (July 23).